Colt USGI 1911A1 Resto Project

In the early 90's I acquired a 1942 "WB" inspected Colt mfg USGI 1911A1 frame, serial # 780,XXX, and misc small parts. The frame was 'reparked', a Videcki adjustable trigger was installed and non-GI safety lever. This lower served for many years as a platform for a Colt .22 Conversion Unit.

Although, later I did acquire a 1941 mfg [serial number stamped under the slide stop] Colt USGI topend. Someone else had installed hi-viz target sites on this slide. So, the pistol was 'somewhat' WWII vintage USGI but not exactly as would've been issued in that era.

While waiting for an original/correct early WWII [1942 or 1943] Colt mfg USGI pistol to come up for sale I got to thinking it would be cool to see if the 1942 mfg frame could be restored to as close as possible to GI issue.

To become 'authentic' a surplus correct vintage Colt slide and small parts were acquired. The original Colt frame bears a "SA" [Springfield Arsenal] refurb proof, meaning at some point in it's life it went back to the US military Springfield Arsenal for a rework.

This, in effect, takes care of the fact that this pistol will be 'restored', as often GI pistols were completely rebuilt and refinished when at an arsenal.

Here's the project:

As the platform for the .22 Unit:

Frame disassembled [note correct USGI safety and milled trigger]:

"WB" inspector's initials on frame:

1942 Colt mfg serial number range [also note "SA" - Springfield Arsenal refurb proof]:

Colt USGI topend acquired for resto project:

Complete parts [including both slide assemblies] for comparison:

The complete restored 1942 Colt USGI 1911A1 .45ACP pistol:

As it would've been ready for action in 1942: